Tom Lockyer says every minute counts as EFL delays kick-offs by one minute

Cardiac arrest survivor Tom Lockyer urged fans to learn CPR as the EFL delays 36 kick-offs by 60 seconds this weekend to highlight the 'Every Minute Matters' campaign, launched by Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation in 2024.

Tom Lockyer, who survived a cardiac arrest on the pitch, has called for more people to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as the English Football League delays kick-offs by one minute this weekend. Lockyer previously collapsed during Luton's play-off final in May 2023 and later experienced a cardiac arrest during a Premier League match where immediate CPR and defibrillation were used. The minute delays form part of the 'Every Minute Matters' campaign supported by Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation. Key details: - Lockyer collapsed during Luton's May 2023 play-off final due to atrial fibrillation and underwent surgery before being cleared to resume playing. - Seven months later his heart stopped on the pitch during a match at Bournemouth; immediate CPR and use of a defibrillator were reported to have saved his life. - The EFL is moving 36 kick-offs by 60 seconds this weekend to underline that every minute after a cardiac arrest is important. - The 'Every Minute Matters' campaign was launched in 2024 by Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, includes a 'Show Your Heart' initiative using the RevivR online tool, and aims to reach 500,000 fans by the end of February. Summary: Organisers say the minute-long delays are intended to raise awareness that rapid CPR and defibrillation improve a person’s chance of survival, a point Tom Lockyer has emphasised. The campaign will be visible across 36 fixtures this weekend and aims to engage half a million fans by the end of February.